Brandyn Ashley Castro

Dr. Brandyn Castro gave me my life back. As an operating room nurse I have witnessed and worked with her in surgery before I even became her patient. She has compassion and respect for every individual. The interactions with her team reflect her dedication for every individual case. I knew as a patient I was in great hands. I was diagnosed with a C2-C3 intramedullary spinal cord tumor. I knew exactly how dangerous it would be to resect and biopsy this particular area. With a chance of paralysis, being on a ventilator for the rest of my life, and even a fate much worse, I had to be wise about my decision. I could have gone anywhere else and to any large academic center. Yet, along with careful thinking and some consulting with my aunt, a former neurosurgery nurse practitioner, we decided she would do it. Surgery was a success. In the words of my aunt, no one “could’ve have had a better resection.” I came out with absolutely no motor losses. For me, a nationally ranked powerlifter who… has made a name through my physical abilities, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Waking up and breathing on my own alone was a feat that gave me a chance, but everything else I was left with was more than I could ask for. Yet, the story didn’t end there, even through my rehab and treatments to follow, her whole team kept up with me and my family. They made sure if there was anything along the way I would need, they’d be there the best they could. I never felt like I was alone. One year later here I am a still nurse still working full time, coaching football, and getting ready to return to competing in the coming year. There is not enough gratitude I could show to Dr. Castro for the second chance at life she gave to me.